As she stood in the morning light, she felt the need to put on her deer-hide tunic. It looks like the Clan has everything they need." There was talk about banishing him from anywhere within their territories but it was felt that he might go somewhere else and cause similar trouble. Ayla was uncertain; did one man do this or two different men? Welcome!" ", The Donier of the Nineteenth Cave hurried into the light. Then waited for a response and when none came she realized that going forward was the only option open to her. He'd killed them using his mother's sling technique. "Jondalar," Ayla said. They were packed and had just returned from The White Cave after inspecting the work once more. You will be received even though you are a female and one of the Others, you will be received as Mog-ur. Even though Marthona mothered him when he was around, it was only a small part of his life. Then a thought occurred to her. She knew how impatient youth could be, and she wanted them to remember there were others to consider, not just their family. She burst onto the scene first and was suddenly facing a fully grown three hundred pound cave lion not more than twenty paces away. In fact, mother, how is it that you had this with you? There was no sound but the wind rustling the reeds and the peeps of a duckling as it raced over the water to its mother. I always felt secretly jealous that women were the ones favored of Doni. The next day, just after dawn, the Zelandonii broke camp near the Nineteenth Cave and rode down to the river crossing. Then she remembered Madroman, who would leave with the southern Zelandoni to begin his servitude, "And I also learned about wickedness and deceit." But for now, it's not possible, not if you want to get the young away to your home corral.". The lion angrily turned for a moment to survey the noise for any imminent danger then turned back to Ayla. But I don't think a wolverine or hyena could be tamed, it's not in their nature to coexist with people. They were coming! We think AYLA is the possible answer on this clue. Now Ralev's voice was soft and pleasant to hear. "Do you think they would want us to interfere?". He was standing there on all four feet, with his head turned toward her, looking into her eyes as if he could see her. She is left to wander in the dangerous and unfamiliar land in the Clan. Ayla wanted to jump up and run, this hideous beast must be the Shaman. ", Folrian giggled, "You just like the way people stare at you and your wolf when we walk through the camp. Jonayla, Durcan and even Jondalar were very conversant in Clan sign language now. As he saw the boy, Jondalar also noticed the opening of the sacred cave and the mysterious carvings chiseled into the rock lintel. "The meeting should take place twenty days from today and held where my task began, at Revelation Cave on Sacred Mountain. I used claybobs instead of stones, he will live. He was gentle and caring and so wise. Ralev paused for a moment and looked around at the fire-lit faces intently watching him. "Mother, do you want me to set up the travel tents? The little furry animal seemed to know where he was. ", "Well, I suggest you keep that thought to yourself, it won't do to let the other Doniers know that you're not sure of your calling to lead us. They stopped and talked in voices too low for Ayla to make out. By mid-day the Ninth Cave's summer camp had been stripped of anything useful. Our leader, Camma, will be happy to help you, I'm sure of it.". As she tied off the binding cloth she reflected on how chance and decisions that people made could affect them in ways that they hadn't thought of. It was a sound of contentment and Ayla smiled. Durg found that, most of the time, Mageb turned out to be right in the end. Chapter 14 Ayla looked up to see two men and a woman standing a few feet away. Jonayla had come with the others to look for her mother and when she came into the clearing she screamed at the sight of all the blood coating her mother's body. Ayla had heard what Brukeval had suggested during their confrontation and she needed to put to the test whether or not her people would support an intervention in the north. Thankfully, the lion twisted his body toward the sounds for a moment, giving her a chance to reach down and pick up the Clan spear. Now there were few moments when Jondalar was coherent. Her daughter looked at the egg and the carrot and then at her mother. ", "Why don't you sit here while I prepare our food," Jonayla said. With a heavy heart Jonayla went over to Cambarre and put her arm around his waist and stood beside him, feeling a bit out of sorts. It was mid-day by the time the first people from the long column of Ninth Cave reached the descending trailhead into Old Valley. Ayla stopped and looked at her daughter, arching a brow, waiting for an answer from her daughter. "That will take a long time father," Durcan said. It didn't look possible that so small a person could have jumped so effortlessly onto a horse's back. Dusk purpled the hills to the east as Ayla called the Donier away from his task in The White Cave. He couldn't just run after Wolf without making arrangements. Jonayla looked into Cambarre's dark brown eyes. With a growl, Mageb signaled the woman to bring her man along and to make it fast, they needed to be on their way. This is a sacred place!". "He walked and he walked and he walked, and at last reached his home. That it had only seemed like an afternoon, not days and days. It was planned some time ago and I can't delay it." "Is the Zelandoni of First Wolf Cave here this morning? The Zelandoni of the Second Cave has been of service for more than sixteen summers. "You're my life Willamar," she murmured into his ear. Once, when tamed horses were few, they had been kept in a corral at the southern edge of the Ninth Cave's great ledge, but when more of the people began to tame their own horses, it soon became obvious that there would not be enough room for all of them so close to the main enclosure. ", "That is very thoughtful," Camma said, looking at the clasped hands for a moment, then up into Jonayla's eyes. To make her family whole again, she must find a way. The First Zelandoni had known she was ill, she had seen the same symptoms in others; people who she had nursed and she knew what the outcome of her illness would be. Ayla was about to speak when he turned and placing two fingers in his mouth, he blasted out a shrill whistle that rose in pitch and then lowered again. "I think this young man has just said what I was thinking. "Yes, well, I think you're "mated" already, if I'm any judge," she smiled as the two young people looked at each other slightly embarrassed. When she had explained her reasons for intervention, she seated herself and let Joharran, as leader of the host cave, ask for a vote. This rock fall would change the way the Zelandonii would travel north and south along the river from now on. We're on our mating trial period and need to be on our way as soon as possible. "Who are you, why have you come here? How could she stand up to someone so powerful that he could actually return after so long a time in the Spirit World? "As the Earth Mother rode into their midst all the people cringed. Nervously, the Donier, not knowing what to expect, reached out and took the outstretched hands in hers. Why would Ursus choose one of the Others for such an honor as this? He looked into the Clan man's eyes without fear. She had assumed that her mother would have treated the wound successfully by now and that she would bring the Clan people more to introduce them to her mother than for any real help they might be able to offer. It would be best if one of your leaders came back with me to discuss what it is you need from my people." Then Ayla nodded toward Joharran, "Groog, this is Joharran, the leader of the Ninth Cave of the Zelandonii. "Jamicon has roasted both Bison and Elk meat and Lanala has prepared a stew with lots of summer vegetables like carrots and beans and several types of grains. She began to wonder if turning back would be the best option, but how would she let the others know. "Yes, Proleva and the women from the Ninth Cave are known for the quality of their food preparation. Farewell and may The Great Earth Mother watch over you." Ramacol was just the level-headed type that Ayla admired and knew she could rely upon. You know the Clan better than anyone else, while at the same time, you're one of us. Ayla knew the violence would only worsen if they did nothing. I'm willing to do what I must to earn my home and my place in it. "Greetings travelers," she said in Zelandonii, making the universal sign of welcome and friendship with her hands. "Yes, alright, but don't get your hopes up for an early start. "It's too sad to think about. My father said this evil might come back for anyone it didn't get the first time and he suggested that we journey inland far away from this threat. ", "I need you. The two men walked without hesitation right up to the hissing growling beast who had risen from the depths of the earth. We have to decide among us how to deal with Madroman. She looked up into her daughter's tear stained face and spoke in something just more audible than a whisper, "Wolf knew the Mother would speak and that the earth would shake and he came to me. "They were many days to the south of their lodge and in acknowledged Clan country. Jonayla was feeling subdued as well and silently followed her mother up the gradual grade to Hilltop Holding. Then he looked at Durg and saw his mocking eyes and an expression that all but said, 'I would have told you if you would have let me.'. Although she was slightly built compared to the hugely muscled Clan male, she was still slightly taller than him and when she reached her full adult height she would probably be even taller yet. The first Zelandoni of the southern caves stood immediately. "Zelandoni!" We think they may be in the hands of the renegade Chimu that follow the false Shaman.". She looked again at her daughter and suddenly realized they must be sharing pleasures together by now. Jonayla followed but couldn't stop from commenting. The winter wore on and the people of the Ninth Cave began to wish for sunny days again. "Yes, counting words. Everyone but Ayla and Jondalar cringed backward in fear. After all, many of my best stories are about the star-crossed travelers, Ayla and Jondalar. I think Melodene experienced a hard life before and after her mate's death, and Willamar shows her respect and loving care." There was deafening silence for a moment, Ralev looked at Jondalar. Maybe Wolf? Lorala wasn't really related to her, but Jonayla's parents had pledged to care for her and her siblings a long time ago when Jonayla had been a small child, so Lorala and her older sister Lanoga had been like family as far back as she could remember. As far as the Zelandonia are concerned, we're happy with your leadership and we support you.". She knew that they still had five days before the final Matrimonial. That person is completely hidden now, but I saw movement there too.". And no one can compare to you in the furs. Knowing that he wouldn't be able to stop Ayla from her headlong charge, Jondalar signaled Cambarre to go right, while he went to the left. She was an unusual person who stood out from everyone else and who was also beautiful. I think his life force was more than just an ordinary animal's, he was in some way a manifestation of the Earth Mother Herself. He'd been staring at her from the moment he realized what she was doing. I'm not sure why I painted them on my face, I don't remember doing it.". She still out does anyone else when planning a feast," Ayla said with true admiration. Ayla asked when she realized they weren't present. The young man looked at Jondalar and said, "I am a very happy man. It would take several days to strike a camp this size. 'A fine looking boy,' Jondalar thought. They were my ideal, what I wished I was. Jondalar and Jonayla had remained there during the night and added their voice to the discussion. Soon eleven of the thirteen Zelandoni were present and Ayla began to speak: "Out of the darkness, the chaos of time,The whirlwind gave birth to the Mother sublime.She woke to Herself knowing life had great worth,The dark empty void grieved The Great Earth Mother. "Where are Willamar and Durc?" I don't want any man's child until he's my mate. "That's good," Jonayla said approvingly. She finished her portion of the hearty stew that Jonayla had made from yet another rabbit that her brother's sharp eyes had seen during the day's journey. I have always been different and have always had to stand up for myself. Mageb tensed, gripping his hunting spear tightly. She was as tall and as imposing a personage as he remembered, with her mass of flame red hair. I was the daughter of his hearth. "You remained silent when people ridiculed me," Brukeval said quietly. If you would like to link to us, Get the Code Here. The people sitting around the large open hearth murmured knowingly. "Please don't leave me here. "Mog-ur, what truly convinces me is that she reminds me of you. She said that she wouldn't consider lying with any other man, only me. One thing I do know is that I will continue writing as long as I am capable of writing.''. Jonayla flushed slightly at their casual male attitude and the implied sexual meaning of their conversation. 36. During this moment of the people's approval, Ayla let go the last vestiges of insecurity about her past and the Zelandonii reactions to it. Finally Ayla stopped and looked around her, noticing horsetails growing along the bank of a secluded beach formed from the wide looping tributary. A moment later the children jumped in surprise as a loud drum began to beat a slow somber tattoo, a beat of mourning. Robin posts on 5/1/2012 12:26:38 PM I will be forever grateful I did not buy this book, but took it out of the . Now, with the incursion of the Zelandonii from the south, he was way outnumbered. World Central Kitchen, Your Email (optional - only if you want a reply ). But she soon became more feverish and began to sweat profusely as did the child Robinar. At first the shaping was done for practical purposes, such as squaring the openings so entrance coverings would fit better and keep the cold out more efficiently. He didn't like pretty people. He had made up for his physical infirmities by overcoming them and using his hard earned abilities to speak to the Spirit World and to become his people's spiritual leader. Where is this Shaman of yours? "What is it you wish to have and what is it that you wish to give?" When the firestone and flint were struck together they formed a long lasting spark. I know that before you left to go north there was some unpleasantness about your past with the Clan, but for the most part it is no longer an issue." he responded playfully. So you see, we do have a place for you. ", Not listening, Mageb broke in, cutting Durg's explanation short. In a way she is of the Clan. ", "You have a man of the Clan here? They only knew extreme pleasure in each other and knowing this would happen again and again whenever they wished, salved their worries. "Jonayla, I wanted to talk to you. Since they had no alternative, they signaled in basic sign language, the same signs you taught the Lion camp and now all the Mamutoi use - that she could tend his injured leg. He would be traveling with them to the north. "Harvest Moon, (September), is one of the most important times of the year and is named Harvest Moon because this is the time that gathering of grains and late fruits and vegetables is done. She was helping her mother carry the last parcels to the pole-drag being loaded for the short trip to the corrals. "You WILL comply with our First Zelandoni's command while we hold your war leader as our prisoner!". As usual, many of the people had already gathered around the temporary burial shelter that had been built the day before. Maybe this would be the key to the big tough looking leader. "Would you please raise the north side panel to let more light in?" "Thank you Acolyte," he said. It gave her a surprisingly content and happy feeling deep down. She hoped that this woman's mate would survive, for all their sakes. In a very short time most of the herds would migrate south for winter's moon cycles. Ayla walked with Jonayla and Cambarre through the camp to their own feasting place. After about an hour of steady travel they came across a stream and followed it to an overgrown area with a pond half obscured by bushes and overhanging trees, where Cambarre signed a halt. Guiltily, she hoped it would be a girl, but she knew Cambarre secretly wished for a boy. Ayla looked at the woman who Jondalar was still holding upright. Words that governed the seasons and the world they lived in? As she turned to leave once more, she saw Jondalar disappearing into the trees and in that moment she knew she had done all that could be done for Brukeval. "I have a dress tunic. At least the Medicine Woman could interpret for him and bring him to their leader who might do something about the killers in the north. It was obvious that there was an undercurrent of tension. Bless her, but the First Zelandoni was ill for too long. The animal wasn't moving all that well and Sacred Mountain was well over a day away by horse. To the others watching, it looked like the Donier of the Ninth Cave had, by some mystical means, commanded her Acolyte to do her bidding. "I'll do as you suggest." The spring air and the green growing things made them feel excited just to be alive. One of the high points of the Summer Meeting was the exchange of goods and information and of course visiting friends and family they might not have seen since the summer before. Ayla assured Tormaden that she would be responsible for the Chimu woman and led her to the guest hearth, asking Jonayla to make a small cooking fire and heat water for tea. "Thank you Rubio. His mind was suddenly brought back to the present when he heard a voice very near. The tall red-haired woman now looked at Ayla as she stood beside Duroban. Still running, Mageb passed the grazing herd, barely disturbing their tranquility. "I say we should help the Others. Suddenly red-haired Ralev stood and stepped up onto the storyteller's platform and beckoned a young woman from his troupe to join him. "Since this will be our last meeting of the season with all of the Zelandonia in attendance, I want to clear some things up before we leave for our home caves.". Then almost sadly, he replied, "Everywhere I go I am ridiculed. She wasn't sure what to think, but she tried to put a touch of derision in her voice to show him her skepticism. Hugging the old man to her she sighed, content to just have him near. "This is not a normal spear," was all she could think to say. I don't remember doing it. He was surprised that she seemed to be following him. She could only wish her daughter as much joy as she'd experienced on her mating day. For that matter, if he could compete with his mother's skills as a hunter, he thought, he would be known as the best among his people. Although most of the stories and activities were out in the open area surrounded by a log palisade, special events and new stories were generally reserved for the more secluded lodge. The fever from the inflamed wound was consuming his body before her eyes. She watched Jonayla's face as the men came into view from the fa'lodge where they had gathered to dress in their finest. As the daughter watched the mother bathe, it was obvious there must be some truth to the idea, because her mother, even at thirty-six summers had the smooth healthy complexion of a woman many summers younger. "'I want your stone bowl with the snake painted on it,' replied the young man. She was confident in her abilities. Ayla stepped down from the sandstone block and sat on the edge facing the Zelandoni. Of course Durcan wanted to hunt and everyone agreed that was a good idea and praised his find for their meal that evening. 'It's not just me who thinks the Seventh doesn't really care if he is chosen.'. At its base the enclosed lodge was a good twenty-five paces across and had been dug down into the earth about six hand-widths, with a ledge all the way around that served as seating for people to sit during the day and places for the storytellers to sleep at night. Father and Son rode on, occasionally looking down at the newly formed lake, but never letting their urgent mission leave their thoughts. Ayla finally registered the dismay in her daughter's voice and it brought her back from her mind numbing despair. Dula looked down at the man who was obviously dying and then at the woman and made up her mind. Taking her hand in his he led her out of the cave and around to the side where the path wound upward to the place where the rock pinnacle jutted out from the earth. "How old are you?". It took all that day to get past the lake. How could I not? "They killed Norgreb, one of our best hunters, using one of those things. She, Jonayla and Melodene had gathered the blooms while the grave was being dug. Jondalar, looking out over the vista before them, reached out and gripped Ayla's hand in his. Learn from them, let them help you to be a stronger person. A silent Ayla allowed her daughter to wash and coat her wounds with honey and rewrap her wound using her spare tunic as bandage. "You are kind Groog. He nervously shifted his position and wondered for the hundredth time when the Doniers would arrive. Although they were taller than Clan, they were also thinner, he thought, and obviously weaker too. I can't help it. It took Ayla a few moments to gather her wits. ', "The older brother was far out to sea by now, far away from any land. "I'll think about what to say to him," Jonayla said, pausing for a moment to think. She stopped when she reached the head of her small herd, leaving her 'would be suitor' chagrined. "Flatheads have killed our people and we've killed theirs, so now it's a matter of who has the stomach to finish the job. It was a little more than mid-way through Buck Moon phase and the Zelandonii leaders were gathered with the Chimu in council. "My Mog-ur is very old, and very wise. "The younger brother thanked him profusely, folding the fish in his hide wrap and began walking home. She thought he knew his luck and that made her smile. I will never understand these things, but I'm not surprised the wolf cub belongs to the First Zelandoni's daughter. We are a spectacle with all this blood and that cave lion," Jondalar said with concern. Her beautiful body enflamed him, but her innocent lust for him was heart-stopping. Ayla had decided to keep her knowledge about Madroman between just Jondalar and herself. It is close enough, yet will afford a more secluded place with less chance of interruption. As he reached the edge of a clearing, Cambarre stopped and listened again. "The Clan was here before us and they are not animals any more than we are. Suddenly, those at the guest hearth heard the noise of returning hunters as the camp came alive. "What about the moon?" They stood with the other newly mated couples and talked in low tones among themselves, congratulating each other. Wolf is almost considered Zelandoni.". Then she looked around at the people staring at them and then at those following. "You've always thought you were so superior, with all your tricks and all your friends. At how helpless and useless she had felt. She snuggled tightly against Jondalar again. They missed and hit her mate and the man on the other pole-carry. Let's get back in the water and I'll wash it off for you." Summer was ending and fall was beginning to change the weather. She learned to do it from the Mamutoi, only they would have made it from Mammoth meat.". He would answer her in signs and then she would speak for him to the gathering. I wish I could have seen that.". Brog, just before entering his cave looked back one last time. Do you think your leader will speak about necessities with a female?" Rubio noticed that the Donier was looking at no one but him. He'd never seen anyone who could use one with more skill than her. "Greetings Doroban," Jonayla said as she jumped down from Gray. She looked at the southern Zelandoni and smiled, thinking back to only a few full moons ago when they had been strangers and rivals. She knew the noise was Manvelar and some of the men of the Third Cave holding Brukeval down. The hunters weren't sure why they did, but they were certainly grateful. They had pleasured each other, but that was like play compared to the intense oneness of this new and wonderful experience. Why don't we let Melodene tell us what she knows about her people and the reasons they follow this shaman who claims to have come from the Spirit World. You're an accomplished hunter who could provide for a family and you're a man of ability. As the Fifth Zelandoni reclaimed his place by the fire, the first Zelandoni from the south stood. "Camma, the leader of the three caves in the north, expressed an eagerness to bring her people into the Zelandonii community. Just as he realized that they might actually be the man and woman their leader had ordered them to seek out, the woman stopped and stared directly at him. But at least he had been able to survey the campsite and pick the quickest way in and out. Jonayla's horse gave out a loud dismayed whinny, followed by their pack horse, both stomping around in agitation. She didn't want to admit her feelings for this man. Cambarre had been difficult at first, pointing out that they were in hostile territory and that he felt he should stay with her. ", "I'm probably too old, but it would be fun to try. ", "Clan women don't feel they are being treated harshly. ", That statement surprised Jonayla. ", "Of course I am. "We fought back then, we had no choice. Once the flesh had been compromised, anything could happen. They helped each other because it was their way. Without a word, Cambarre grabbed Jonayla's hand and they ran straight north; away from any civilization, away from both friends and enemies. Still, even now, no clear answer came to her, no matter how much she meditated on it. offered Havoe, pulling out two handfuls of the best looking flint nodules the poor man had ever seen and a basket of fresh cakes. However, a brutal youth, who is about to become the next leader of the Clan, does not like her and sees her as a possible threat. Jonayla was more mature than other young women her age, but that was little consolation. Ayla remained silent, watching the other Zelandonia and the leaders as they interacted with Groog through her daughter. "I assume you have been telling everyone about your trial mating time. I have to answer to the people and what they determine to be just.". I must go now.". All knew that the rawhide binding must not be cut and would be expected to be given back whole when the couple returned after their half-moon phase trial period. As dawn's light crept over the top of the far hills to shed its pearlescent light over the Zelandonii campsite, Ayla and Jondalar were already packed and ready to go. Jondalar opened his eyes, looking up at her and nodded. Someone among them would ask a question and Jonayla would sign to Groog what was said. he wondered. Speculation concerning her demise by various, even nefarious, means has dogged the 66-year-old Portland, Oregon, novelist throughout the 11 years it has taken her to complete The Shelters of Stone, book five in the projected six-book Earth's Children series that began with The Clan of the Cave Bear in 1980. "There's no reason to hurry. "I see. Why should she have to apologize for them or for herself? After quite some time, the boy becoming a bit restive from standing there silently watching the Donier, Ayla looked up into the sky, then down at the pillar. "Yessss, that was luck Brukeval, you couldn't asssk for a better hostage," someone with a lisping voice said. Do you think we should stay here for the day?". What would Durcan have to put up with now? 'Well, the sooner we get back, the sooner I can make him healthy again, but first we must bury Brukeval', she thought to herself. She mounted Summer Child and Jonayla followed her, mounting Gray. The hair on the back of Mongar's neck stood on end and he experienced an unreasonable fear, one that he couldn't put a name to. There was a descending floor that angled gently downward. Durcan looked at his deceased grandmother's mate and said mischievously, "So Melodene is just a memory is she?" He hoped knowing who was involved with this furry little beast would put them at some ease. "I saw you looking at Marilla last night and it, well it occurred to me that you might be unhappy about my past relationship with her." Whatever happened to simple hospitality?". A huge gray shape splashed through the shallow brook. This is a very good sign for everyone," she concluded, her voice quivering in awe at what she'd just seen. The reason Groog had been chosen to find a leader among the Others was because he was of both Clan and the Others and not being fully Clan, their Mog-ur believed he would be able to understand them better than any other among them. He gave Ayla a wink as she passed by him. "Most of her people fought against the renegade followers of the false shaman so I believe them to be good people as well. It is almost like The Great Earth Mother had a hand in guiding you here at this moment in time. Jonayla smiled at that, she wasn't upset - she could even understand it - knowing if their place were reversed, she'd have done the same. ", "Thank you Zelandoni," Ayla replied. Maybe that is exactly what you have done in the past. As they reached the sitting man before them, Ayla called out in a quiet voice.